Mulling apparatus



June 24, 1941.

- E. o. BEARDsLl-:Y ETAL 2,246,991

MULLING APPARATUS Filed Sept; 4, 1937 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 raw/lll.

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June 24, 1941- f E. o. BEARD'sLl-:Y Erm. 2,246,991

MULLING APPARATUS Filed Sept. 4. 1937 5 sheets-sheet `2 June 24, 1941. E, Q BEARDSLEY ET AL 2,246,991

MULLING APPARATUS Filed Sept. 4, 1937 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 June 24, 1941- E. o. BEARDsLl-:Y Erm. 2,246,991

y MULLING APPARATUS l K Filed Sept. 4, 1937 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 @wfg/MG@ June 24, 1941- E. o.' BEARDSLEY Erm. 2,246,991

MULLING' APPARATUS Filed Sept. 4, 1937 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 1 Hlil ,IHM MM Patented June 24, 1941 TES ATENT @FMC MULLING APPARATUS Application September 4, 1937, Serial No. 162,452

23 Claims.

The present invention relates generally to apparatus for mulling or mixing granular material. More particularly the invention relates to that type of mulling apparatus which is designed i primarily for use in a foundry or like establishment in connection with the mulling or mixing of moulding sand and comprises (1) a frame structure; (2) an open top sand retaining receptacle which is mounted on and supported by the frame structure and embodies a substantially at circular bottom and an outwardly bulged side wall which is of substantially semicircular cross-section and extends outwardly and upwardly and then inwardly from the outer margin of;

the bottom; (3) a plurality of cross-head supported balls which are arranged within the receptacle to travel in a circular course around vthe outwardly bulged side wall and are adapted during such travel to spin and effect the desired y,

receptacle and to deilect the scraped sand back against the side wall into the path of the balls; and (5) an electric motor which is mounted on the frame structure and is connected through the medium of speed reducing gearing and the cross-head to drive or propel the balls, Scrapers and deilectors.

One object of the invention is to provide a mulling apparatus of this type which is generally an improvement upon and is more practical and elicient than previously designed mulling apparatus of the same general character.

Another object of the invention is to provide a mulling apparatus of the type under consideration in which the outwardly bulged side wall of the receptacle is in the form of an annular series of complemental sections which are removably secured together so that one or more may be disconnected from the remainder in order to provide access to the balls, Scrapers and deectors for repair or removal purposes.

Another object of the invention is to provide a sand mulling apparatus of the last mentioned character in which one of the aforementioned complemental sections embodies an outwardly swinging discharge door for the mulled sand, and the outwardly bulged side wall is releasably clamped to the bottom of the receptacle so that it may be turned or adjusted bodily in order to bring the discharge door into any desired angular position with respect to the supporting structure.

Another object of the invention is to provide a mulling apparatus of the type and character under consideration in which the mulling balls are xed to the lower ends of substantially vertically extending shafts which have the upper ends thereof rotatably mounted in xed bearings on the cross-head so that the balls are permitted to spin during travel around the outwardly bulged side wall but are held in Xed spaced relation with said side wall and thus effect squeezing of the sand between them and the side wall during operation of the apparatus.

A further object of the invention is to provide a mulling apparatus of the aforementioned type in which the Scrapers and plow type deilectors are so connected to the cross-head that in the event they encounter scrap or other foreign artlcles in the sand during operation of the apparatus they are permitted to swing inwards out of their operative position and thus release the scrap and prevent it from producingr a wedging action and either damaging the outwardly bulged side wall or the Scrapers and plow type deilectors.

Other objects of the invention and the various advantages and characteristics of the present `mulling apparatus will be apparent from a consideration of the following detailed description. The invention consists in the several novel features which are hereinafter set forth and are more particularly dened by claims at the conclusion hereof.

In the drawings which accompany and form a part of this specification or disclosure and in which like numerals of reference denote corresponding parts throughout the several views:

Figure 1 is a vertical longitudinal sectional View of a sand mulling apparatus embodying the invention;

Figure 2 is a horizontal sectional view taken on the line 2-2 of Figure l and illustrating in detail the arrangement and design of the mulling balls and the Scrapers and dellectors;

Figure 3 is a horizontal sectional view taken on the line 3-3 of Figure 1 and showing in detail the means whereby the outwardly bulged side wall of the sand receiving receptacle is releasably clamped in place so that it may be turned or adjusted bodily in connection with positioning of the discharge door;

Figure l is a perspective of one of the plowtype delectors for directing or deflecting the scraped sand back against the side wall of the receptacle;

Figure is an enlarged detail sectional View taken on the line 5 5 of Figure l and illustrating the cross-sectional design of the deflectors;

Figure 6 is a detail sectional View illustrating the manner in which the plows are mounted or connected with respect to the rotary cross-head so that they are free to turn or swing inwards in the event that they encounter scrap or other foreign articles in the sand;

Figure 7 is a vertical transverse sectional View taken on the line 'E--l of Figure l. and illustrating in detail the manner in which the sandree ceiving receptacle is supported on the frame structure so that there is sufficient room orspace beneath the bottom section of the gear housing to permit lowering of such section inconnection with the inspection or repair of the speed reducing gearing between the motor and the crosshead;

Figure 8 is a perspective View showing the apparatus without the discharge door and one of the side wall forming sections and illustrating in detail the manner in which the balls, scrapers and plows are accessible for inspection or replacement purposes upon removal of one of the side wall sections;

Figure 9 is a perspective of one of the complemental sections which form the outwardly bulged side wall of the sand receiving receptacle; and

Figure 10 is a fragmentary perspective view of the ring at the top of the receptacle side wall.

The apparatus which is shown in the drawings constitutes t'ne preferred embodiment of the invention and is adapted primarily for use in a foundry or like establishment. It serves or' operates as hereinafter described, to mull or mix moulding sand and comprises as the main or essential parts thereof a frame structure il, an open top receptacle l2, a pair of mulling balls I3, a pair of Scrapers lil, a pair of plow type deectors l5. and an electric motor I6.

The frame structure li serves as a'supporting medium for the receptacle l2, the `mulling balls I3, and the other parts of the apparatus and is adapted to rest on the floor of theV foundry in whichthe apparatus is used. It is rectangular, as shown in Figure 2, and consists of a pair of laterally spaced, parallelly arranged, horizontally extending side beams Il, a pair' of transverse horizontally extending end. beams' i3, and a bed plate I9. The side beams il are in the form'of Iebeanis and are held in laterallyl spacedrelation by the end beams i3. The latterfsare also inthe form of Ibeams and extend between and are suitably secured to the end of the side beams. The bed-plate I9 rests on and extends between the top flanges of the side beams II at one end of the frame structure Il and serves as a pedestal or bed for the electric motor l5.

The receptacle I2 is positioned over and spaced above the other end of the frame structure Il and is adapted to be charged with a batch of sand to be mulled or otherwise conditioned for moulding purposes. It is circular as far as its general contour is concerned and consists of a circular bottom 2i), an outwardly bulged annular side wall 2|, a ring 22 at the top of the side wall, and a tubular member 23 in the central portion of said side wall. The bottom 20 is in the form of a casting and embodies four outwardly extending integral lugs 211. These lugs` are arranged in pairs at opposite sides of the receptacle and rest on and are supported by four upstanding or vertically extending legs 25. The lower ends of the legs rest on and are welded or otherwise fixedly secured to the top flanges of the side beams l1 of the frame structure Il and the upper ends of the legs underlie the outer ends of the lugs. Bolts 25 extend vertically 4through the outer ends of the lugs and serve rigidly to connect the lugs to the upper ends of the legs 25. The legs together with the side beam` il of the frame structure and the lugs 2 of the bottom 2Q serve to hold the receptacle -in a rigid manner and also in an elevated position with respect to the frame structure. The side wall 2l is substantially semicircular in crosssection and extendsoutwardly and upwardly and then inwardly from the marginal portion of the circular bottom 20. t surrounds the mulling balls i3 and consists of an annular series of complemental sections 2 (preferably six in number). Thelatter are arranged in abutting relation andembody integral depending L-shaped bottom flanges V'28, integral outwardly `extending side flangesZS, and integral upwardly extending top iianges. 'The bottom flanges 2S rest onlthe their-imier ends by blocks 32.

outer margin of the bottom 2t and have a plurality of clamp plates 3i applied thereto. `These plates overlie and extend radially with respect to the receptacle bottom 2B and are supported at The outer ends of the clamp plates rest on the horizontally extending portions of lthe L-shaped flanges 2B and carry bolts 33, which extend through holes in the subjacent portion of the receptacle bottom 2 and are adapted whenr tightened to force the outer ends of the clamp plates into clamped relation with the anges'ZB and thus clamp or lock the outwardly bulged side wall 2l in xed relation with the receptacle bottom; 20. By loosening the bolts' 33 the side wall may'be'released and turned bodily for adjustment purposes if desired. /The blocks rest on the receptacle bottom 2B and are secured in place by means of .threaded studs 2S for side wall releasing purposes when thenuts on the bolts are loosened. The flanges 29 at the sides of'the side wall forming sections 2l abut againstone another and form seals whereby the sand within the receptacle is precluded from being forced outwards between the sections 21 during operation of the apparatus. They are arcuate as shown inV Figures 7 Vand 8, and are secured together in abutting krelation by means of bolts 36 which extend through aligned holes 31 inthe sideflanges. Byremoving the proper bolts and clamp .plates one or more of the side wall formingk sections 27 may be Areadily removed either for. replacement. purposes or to provide access to the mulling .balls or the Scrapers and plowtype deflectors. The topfflanges 30 extend between theupper-ends of the side ianges 29 and define a circu'iar inlet or opening for the sand receiving receptacle |2. The ring 22 operates to guide the sand to be mulled through thisopening into-the receptacle. The Vlower end of this ring Yfits within the ltop anges 30 of the'side through' aligned holes A3S! in the top flanges and the lower end of the ring. The tubular member/'23Y ofA the receptacleextends upwards from the bottom 2U and is of such length that the upper end thereof terminates at substantially the same elevation as the top flanges of the side wall forming sections 2. The lower end of the member projects through a centrally disposed opening 4t in the receptacle bottom; 20 and embodies an outwardly extending annular flange 4i which rests on the opening dening portion of the bottom 2i) and is secured in place by means of an annular Series of bolts 42. Said bolts 42 extend downwardly through the fiange and into internally threaded sockets in said opening-defining portion of the bottom 2U. In addition to the bottom 20, the sectional side wall 2i, the ring 22 and the tubular member 23, the receptacle comprises an annular false bottom 63.

This false bottom rests on the bolts 33 and 42,

as shown in Figures 1 and 2, and extends between the tubular member 23 and the upper edges of the L-shaped flanges 28. It is flat throughout the entire area thereof and supports the portion of the sand which, during a mulling operation, is moved inwards over the receptacle bottom by the scrapers, and delectors.

The mulling balls I3 are of slightly less diameter than the cross-sectional diameter of the outwardly bulged Side wall. They comprise metallic cores 4&3 and solid rubber coverings 45 and are mounted on and xedly secured Ito the lower ends of a pair of substantially vertically extending shafts It. These shafts, as shown in Figure l, extend through the cores it of the balls and embody at their lower ends enlarged heads 4l which engage the bottom portions of the cores and prevent downward movement of the balls with respect to the shafts. The upper ends of the shafts 5 t within sleeve-like members 48 and are journaled in upper roller bearings i9 and lower roller bearings 5t. The Sleeve-like members 8 fit within semi-cylindrical sockets 5i in a cross-head 52 in the top portion of the sand receiving receptacle i 2 and are removably secured in place by means of U-bolts 53. The latter surround the outer portions of the sleevelike members 48 and are carried by the crosshead, as shown in Figures 2 and 8. The roller bearings 49 and 5 permit the shafts i6 to rotate and hence the balls i3 are permitted to spin during travel around the outwardly bulged side wall 2| of the receptacle. The upper bearings !39 consist of outer races within the upper portions of the sleeve members @8, inner races around lthe upper ends of the shafts 4S, and roller bearings between the two races, and are arranged and constructed so that the shafts are held against downward axial displacement with respect to the members 48 and the cross-head 52. The lower roller bearings 55 consist of outer races within the lower portions of the sleevelike members 48, inner races around the shafts E5, and roller bearings between the inner and outer races and are shaped and constructed as shown in Figure 1 so that they prevent upward axial displacement of the shafts with respect to the sleeve-like members. By reason of the fact that the members 48 are secured rigidly to the cross-head the axes about which the balls I3 rotate are fixed with respect to the cross-head and hence the mulling balls do not swing outward during operation of the apparatus and remain at a fixed distance from the receptacle side wall 2l. 'Ihe shafts t8 are so carried or mounted with respect to the cross-head that the balls are spaced inwards a small distance from the receptacle side wall and operate when a predetermined quantity of sand is introduced into the receptacle and the apparatus is set into motion, as hereinafter described, to squeeze the sand between them and the outwardly bulged side wall 2i. Upon removal of one or more of the sections which form the side wall 2| of the receptacle the mulling balls may be inspected or by loosening or removing the U-bolts 53 removed bodily from the receptacle. ,The cross-head 52 is iixedly connected by bolts 54 to an enlarged head 55 at the upper end of a vertically extending shaft 56. This shaft extends through the tubular member 23 of the receptacle and is driven, as hereinafter described, by the electric motor i6 so as to cause the balls I3 to swing or travel in a circular course around the outwardly bulged side Wall 22 of the receptacle for sand mulling or mixing purposes. The upper end of the shaft 5t iS journaled in a pair of roller bearings 51 in the upper end of the member 23 and the lower end of the shaft projects downwards beneath or beyond the member 23 and is journaled in a roller bearing 53.

The scrapers it are positioned directly behind the mulling balls i3 and operate during drive of the cross-head 52, that is, during operation of the apparatus, to scrape the mulled sand from the inner periphery of the outwardly bulged side wall of the receptacle and direct it inwards towards the central portion of the receptacle. They are arcuate, as shown in Figure 7, and substantially conform in curvature to the side wall 2|. The lower ends of the Scrapers terminate adjacent to the outer margin of the false bottom 43 and the upper ends of the Scrapers are connected by brackets 59 to the central portions of a pair of pipes 6B. The upper ends of these pipes t within semicylindrical sockets 6i in a pair of lugs 52 on the cross-head and are xedly secured in place by means of U-bolts 53. The latter surround the upper ends of the pipes 50 and 'are carried by the lugs 62, which as shown in Figure 2, are formed integrally with and project outwardly from the cross-head. The brackets 59 are disposed directly beneath the lugs 62 and have semi-cylindrical sockets 64 in which the pipes Eil iit. U-bolts 65 extend around the central portions of the pipes and through the brackets 59 and serve to connect the brackets together with the Scrapers to the pipes. Said bolts 65 are placed under such clamping pressure as far as the pipes are concerned that in the event that scrap or any other foreign articles in the Sand should become wedged between the Scrapers and the outwardly bulged side wall of the receptacle, the Scrapers 4are permitted to swing inwards out of their normal or operative position and thus release the scrap or foreign articles. Upon inward swing of the Scrapers as a result of the latter encountering scrap as aforesaid, it is contemplated that the 4apparatus be Stopped and the Scrapers reset, that is, shifted back to their normlal position. vertically extending bolts 65 extend through the outer portions of the brackets 59 and Serve xedly or rigidly to secure the upper ends of the Scrapers to the brackets. The inner faces of the scrapers are beveled or canted in such manner that the mulled sand when encountered by the Scrapers is deflected inwards. The U-bolts 55 between the brackets 59 and the pipes 60 constitute hinge or pivotal connections whereby in response to excessive pressure the Scrapers are permitted to swing inwards from their normal or operative position.

The plow-type deflectors i5 are in the form of metal castings and are positioned directly in front of the mulling balls I3. They extend from the tubular member 23 of the sand receiving receptacle to the outwardly bulged side wall 2| and operate during drive of the crosshead 52 to receive the sand which is deflected inwards by the scrapers and to deect or direct such sand outwards against all portions of the inner periphery or face of the side wallinto al position wherein it is properly disposed for squeezing or mulling by the balls. The upper portions of the inner parts of the deiiectors have integral semi-cylindrical sockets B1 in which the lower ends of the pipes Si) fit. U-bolts 68 extend around the lower ends of the pipes 6o and serve to connect the deectors to the pipes. These bolts are carried by the deiiectors and are placed under such clamping pressure with respect to the pipes that the deectors are permitted to swing inwards in the event that the outer parts thereof are subjected to excessive pressure as the result of scrap or other foreign articles becoming wedged between them and the outwardly bulged receptacle side wall 2|. Said outer parts of the deectors are warped or canted as shown in Figure 4, so that a portion of -the sand is directed upwards towards the upper portion of the receptacle side wall ZI. The deflectors are so designed and shaped that during drive of the cross-head they deflect the entire batch or charge of sand in the receptacle outwards against the side wall 2l. By employing Scrapers of this type the entire mass or batch of sand is subjected to the mulling action of both balls during each revolution of the cross-head and homogeneous mulling results. The U-bolts BS constitute pivotal or hinge connections whereby the plow-type deiiectors are permitted to swing inwards in response to excessive pressure resulting from scrapand foreign articles in the sand becoming wedged between the outer parts of the deflectors and the receptacle side wall. If access to the deflectors is desired or it becomes necessary to replace or repair the deflectors for any reason it is only necessary to remove one of the sections El. The outer parts of the deflectors are shaped conformably to the inner face of the lower portion of the Side wall and project rearwardly from the Scrapers I4, as shown in Figure 2.

The shaft 5t together with the cross-head 52, the mulling balls I3, the serapers I, and the plowtype deflectors E5, is driven by the electric motor I5 through the medium of speed reducing gearing in a cast metal housing 69 under the bottom 29 of the sand receiving receptacle. This housing consists of a fixed upper section l@ and a removable lower section 1I, and is positioned between the legs 25 for supporting the receptacle in an elevated position with respect to the frame structure Ii. The upper section 'I0 consists of a continuous side wall which is formed integrally with and depends from the receptacle bottom 2t and has an out-turned bottom flange '12. The lower section comprises a bottom wall and a continuous side wall. The side wall of the bottom section is formed integrally with and extends upwardly from the bottom wall and has an out-turned marginal top flange I3 which abuts against the bottom flange 'I2 of the top section of the housing. Bolts 14 extend through the flanges 'I2 and 'I3 and serve removablyV to connect the bottom section of the housing to the top section 'III The electric motor I6 is aligned with the housing Il. and embodies an armature shaft 'I5 which projects from the motor housing casing in the direction of the sand receiving receptaclev I2. The speed reducing gearing consists of a bevel pinion i6, a bevel gear 1l, a pinion 18, and a gear 1S. The bevel pinion i6 is fixed to one end of a horizontally extending shaft and meshes with and serves to drive the bevel gear il. The shaft 89 is journaled '1n a roller bearing SI between the top and bottom sections of the housing I0 and is connected at its outer end by a coupling 82 to the projecting end of the armature shaft l5. The bevel gear Il is keyed or otherwise iixedly secured to a vertically ex- .tending shaft 83 Which, as shown in Figure 1, is journaled in `an upper roller bearing 84 and alower roller bearing 85. The pinion 'I8 is disposed above the bevel gear Il and is fixed to the upper end of the shaft 83. It meshes with the gear 'I9 and serves to drive the latter in response to operation of the electric motor I6. The gear 1.9 is keyed to the lower end of the shaft 56 and operates to drive the latter together with the cross-head and the muller ballsvscrapers and plow-type deiiectors. The upper roller bearing 84 extends between the upper end of the shaft G3 and a socket 85 in the upper housing section lil. The lower roller bearing 85 extends between the lower end of the shaft 83 and a socket formation 87 in the bottom section 'II of the housing S9. The upperV bearing 34 is so arranged that upon release of the parts thereof the shaft 83 together with the bevel gear I'I and the pinion 'I8 may be dropped with the bottom housing section 'il when it is desired to inspect the speed reducing gearing. When it is necessary or desirable to check or inspect the gearing it is only necessary to release the upper roller bearing 84, uncouple the coupling 82, and remove the bolts l2. At the conclusion of the operations the bottom section 'II of the housing 69 is free and may be dropped between the side beams I'I of the frame structure H. When the section 'II is dropped the shaft 83 with the bevel gear 'I'I and the pinion 'i8 and the shaft 80 with the pinion I drop with the section.

In order that the sand in the receptacle I2 may be discharged at the conclusion of a mulling operation one of the side Wall forming sections 21 is provided with a substantially rectangular discharge opening 88. This opening is normally closed by a door 89 which is pivoted by way of a hinge Si? so as to swing outwardly and upwardly into its open position. The hinge 9o is fixed to the door 89 by bolts 9i and is pivotally connected at its upper end to a rod 92. The latter extends horizontally and is carried by a pair of laterally spaced lugs S3 which, as shown in Figure 8, are formedintegrally with the upper portion of the sidewall forming section having the discharge opening 3S. The door 8S is shifted into and out of its closed position by means of a piston and cylinder device S4. The latter is supported by a frame S5 and comprises a cylinder 96 and a piston 9! in the cylinder. The frame is carried by the sand receiving receptacle I2 and comprises a pair of substantially horizontal lower bars 98, a substantially hori- Zontally extending upper bar 99, and a pair of uprights Iii between the lower and upper bars 9S and 59; The cylinder 96 of the device 94 extends substantially vertically and is pivotally connected' at its upper endto aV bolt I DI on the upper bar 99. The piston Sl. is slidably mounted in the cylinder and is adapted in response to the action of uid under pressure to move back and forth in the cylinder. A stem |92 is connected to the piston and extends downwardly through the lower end of the cylinder. The lower end of the stem it? is pivotally connected to one end of a substantially horizontally extending link I S3. The other end of the link is pivotally connected to a lug iii/i on the central portion of the hinge 99. A link m is pivotally connected to and extends outwardly from the outer end of the link |03, that is, the end to which the stem |02 is pivotally connected and is pivotally connected at its outer end to the lower bars 93. When the piston 97 of the device Q4 is shifted upwards the stem |02 together with the links |83 and |95 swing the door outwardly and upwardly into its open position, as shown in dotted lines in Figure 1. When the piston is shifted downwards the stem and links operate to swing the door into its closed position. The link |65 is so arranged that when the door is in its closed position it is substantially locked in place.

The mulling apparatus is preferably driven or operated so that the cross-head 52 rotates at approximately 90 R. P. M. Wien the receptacle I2 is charged by introducing a batch of sand into it through the ring 22 and ihe motor is started to effect drive of the cross-head, the mulling balls I3 move in a circular course around the outwardly bulged side wall 2| and eiect mulling or squeezing of the sand between them and the side wall. During drive of the cross-head the Scrapers i4 which are located behind the mulling balls scrape the mulled sand from the side wall of the receptacle and move or deflect it inwards into contact with the plow-type deflectors l5. The latter, as hereinbefore pointed out, direct the entire mass of sand outwards against the side wall into the path of the mulling balls so that it is subject to the action of the balls. When the cross-head is driven at the aforementioned speed the sand is eiectively aerated by the action of the Scrapers and deflectors and is maintained in suspension. At the conclusion of the mulling operation the door 89 is swung upwards and outwards into its open position byproper actuation or manipulation of the device Sli. As soon as the door is swung into its open position the defiectors during travel around the receptacle side wall ning the sand outwards through the discharge opening 88 and thus automatically effect discharge of the sand. lll/'hen it is desired to inspect or replace the balls, Scrapers or delectors, it is only necessary, as hereinbefore pointed out, to remove one of the side wall forming sections 2l. By reason of the fact that the side wall 2| of the receptacle is reieasably clamped in place by means of the plates 3| it may be adjusted rotatively in order to bring the door closed discharge opening 8S into any desired angular position with respect to they frame structure li. If it is desired to inspect the speed reducing gearing in the housing 59 it is only necessary, as previously described, to drop the bottom section. 'll and thus provide access to the variousparts of the gearmg.

The herein described mulling apparatus occupies but a comparatively small amount of space and has an extremely large capacity for its size. Due to the construction and arrangement of the various component parts the apparatus is extremely rugged and well fitted or adapted for its intended purpose.

Whereas the apparatus has been described as being adapted for use in a foundry in connection with mulling, mixing or reconditioning moulding sand, it is to be understood that the apparatus may also be used to mull or condition materials other than sand and of a plastic or semi-plastic character. In addition it is to be understood that the invention is not to be restricted to the details set forth, since these may be modified within the Scope of the appended claims, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Having thus described the invention, what we claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

l. A mulling apparatus of the character described comprising in combination a receptacle adapted to contain the materi-al to be mulled and embodying a circular bottom and an annular side wall extending upwardly from the margin of the bottom and composed of an annular series of abiutting separately formed complemental sections having the side margins thereof removably secured together and having their bottom margins removably secured to the receptacle bottom, a mulling element in the receptacle adapted to travel in a circular course around the side wall and eifect mulling of the material between it and said side wall during travel in such course and arranged so that it is accessible for repair or removal upon removal of one or more of the side wall forming sections with respect to the adjoining sections of the series, and means for propelling the mulling element in said circular course.

2. A mulling apparatus of the characterL described comprising in combination a receptacle adapted to contain the material to be mulled and embodying a substantially nat circular bottom and an annular outwardly b-ulged side wall extending upwardly from the margin of the bottom and composed of an annular series of abutting separately formed complemental sections having the side margins thereof removably secured together and their 1bottom margins removably secured to said bottom margin, a revolvable cross-head in the central portion 0f the receptacle, a rotary mulling element carried releasably by and disposed beneath the crosshead and adapted to travel in a circular course around the side wall and effect mulling of the material between it and said side wall during travel in such course, and arranged so that it is accessible for repair or removal upon removal of one or more of the side wall forming sections from the aforesaid series and without removal of the cross-head, and means for driving the cross-head.

3. A mulling apparatus of the character described comprising in' combination a receptacle adapted to contain the material to be mulled and embodying a substantially flat circular bot-y tom and an annular side wall extending upwardly from the margin of the bottom and composed of an annular series of abutting separately formed complemented sections having the side margins thereof removably secured together and embodying integral bottom flanges of L- shaped cross section releasably clamped to the margin of the bottom, a revolvable cross-head in the central portion of the receptacle, a rotary mulling element carried releasably by the crosshead and yadapted to travel in a circular course around the side wall and effect mulling of the material between it and :said ,side Wall during travel in such course, and .arranged so that it is accessible for repair or removal upon removal cf one or more of said complemental sections from the aforesaid series without removal of the cross-head, and means for driving said crosshead.

4. Avmulling apparatus of .the character described comprising in combinationa receptacle adapted to contain the material to be mulled and embodying a circular bottom and an annular sidewall extending upwardly from the margin of the bottom and composed of an annular Ase ries of abutting separately formed complemental sections having the side margins thereof secured removably together and having their bottom margins removably secured to said margin of the bottom, a revolvab-le cross-head in the central portion of the receptacle, a mulling element carried releasab-ly by the cross-head and adapted to travel in a circular course around the side wall and effect mulling of the material between it and said vside wall and arranged so that it is accessible for repair or removal upon removal of one or more of the side wall forming sections .from said series without removal of the cross-head, a scraper and deflector also carried releasably by the cross-head and arranged so that they operate respectively to scrape the mulled ,material from the side wall and to deflect it back against said wall into the path of the element and also so that they are accessible for repair or replacement upon re,

moval of one or more of said sections from said series without removal of the cross-head, andl means for driving said cross-head.

5. A mulling apparatus of the character described comprising in combination a receptacle adapted to contain the material to be ,mulled and embodying a fixed circular bottom and an annular upwardly extending side wall having a door closed discharge opening therein and releasably clamped to the margin of the bottom so that it may be turned or rotated bodily to any angular extent in order Ato change the position of the door closed discharge opening, a mulling element in the receptacle adapted to travel in a circular course around the side wall and effect mulling of the material between it and said .side wall, means for propelling the mulling element in said course, and a deflector connected for conjoint travel with the mulling element `and arranged and adapted to deflect the material outwardlyinto the path of the mulling element during a mulling operation and also to discharge the mulled material from the receptacle via the opening when the door for the latter is open.

6. A mulling apparatus of the character described comprising in combination-an Vopen top receptacle adapted to contain vthe material to be mulled and embodying a substantially flat circular bottom and anannular upwardly extending side wall having a door closed discharge opening 'therein and also having a bottom flange resting on the margin of said bottom,- releasable clamping members applied to said flange and adapted to secure the side wall in place and upon release thereof to permit the side Wall to be turned or adjusted bodily in order to position said door closed discharge `opening as desired, a circular false bottom positioned over the first mentioned bottom and extending inwardly from the top of the bottom flange and over the clamping members, a mulling element in the recep tacle adapted to travel in a circular course over the false bottom and around the vside wall and effect mulling of the material between it and said side wall, means for propelling the mulling element n said course, and a deflector connected for conjoint travel with the mulling element and arranged and adapted to deflect the material outwardly into the path of the mulling element during a mulling operation and also to discharge the mulled material from the vreceptacle via the opening when the door for the latter is open.

7. A mulling apparatus of the character described comprising in combination an open top receptacle adapted to contain the material to be mulled and embodying a substantially flat circular bottomrand an annular upwardly extending side wall having a door closed discharge opening therein and also having an inturned annular ange of L-shaped 'cross section resting on the margin of the bottom, radially extending clamping members around and over the margin of the bottom having the outer ends thereof resting on the bottom portion of the flange and having bolt connections between them and the bottom yrior urging them downwards and into clamped relation with said flange, and adapted upon release of said bolt connections to release theside wall and permit it to be turned or rotated bodily to any angular extent in order to position the door closed discharge opening as desired, a mulling element in the receptacle adapted to travel in a circular course around the side Wall and effect mulling of the material between it and said sidewall, means for propelling the mulling element in said course, and a deflector connected for conjoint travel With the mulling element and arranged and adapted to deflect the materialioutwardly into the path of the mulling element during a mulling operation Vand also to discharge the mulled material from the receptacle via the opening whenv the door for the latter is open.

8. A mulling apparatus of lthe character described comprising in combination an open top receptacle adapted to contain the material to be mulled and embodying av substantially at circular bottom and an annular upwardly eX- tending side Wall having a door closed discharge opening therein and also having an interned annular flange resting on the margin of the bottom, releasable ilange engaging clamping members carried by the bottom and adapted upon release thereof to permit the side Wall to beturned or adjusted -bodily in order to position the door opening as desired, a circular false bottom overlying the receptacle bottom and serving to cover the lclamping members, a mulling element in the receptacle adapted to travel in a circular course over the false bottom Yand around the side wall and to effect mulling of the material betweenit and said side Wall during travel in such course, and means for propelling the mulling element in said circular course.

9. A mulling apparatus of the character described comp-rising in combination a receptacle adapted to contain the material to be mulled and embodying a circular bottom and an annular upwardly extending side wall having a door closed discharge opening therein and composed of an annular series of complementa] sections secured removably together and having flanges resting on the margin of the bottom, releasable clamping means applied to said ilanges and adapted upon release Vthereof to permit the sections to be removed and also to permit the side wall to be turned or adjusted bodily in order to position the discharge opening as desired, a mulling element in the receptacle adapted to travel in a circular course around the side wall and effect mulling of the material between it and said side wall during travel in such course and arranged so that it is accessible for repair or removal upon removal of one or more of the side Wall forming sections, and means for propelling the mulling element in said circular course.

10. A mulling apparatus of the character described comprising in combination a recepta-cle adapted to contain the material to -be mulled and embodying la substantially flat circular bottom and an annular upwardly extending outwardly bulged side wall of substantially semicircular cross-section having a door closed discharge opening therein and composed of an annular series of complemental sections secured removably together and having bottom flanges resting on the margin of the bottom, releasable ilange engaging clamping members carried by the margin of the bottom and adapted upon release thereof to permit the sections to be removed and also to permit the side wall to be turned or adjusted bodily in order to position the discharge opening as desired, and a freely rotatable mulling ball in the receptacle adapted to travel in a circular course around the side wall and effect mulling of the material between it and said side wall during travel in such course and arranged so that it is accessible for repair or removal upon removal of one or more of the side wall forming sections, and means for propelling the mulling ball in said circular course. 1'

1l. A mulling apparatus of the character described comprising in combination a receptacle adapted to contain the material to be mulled and embodying a substantially flat circular bottom and an annular upwardly extending outwardly bulged side wall having a door closed opening therein and composed of an annular series of complementa] sections secured removably together and having inturned bottom flanges resting on the margin of the bottom, releasable iiange engaging' clamping members carried by the margin of the bottom and adapted upon release thereof to permit the sections to be removed and also to permit the side wall to be turned or adjusted bodily in order to position the door opening as desired, a substantially at circular false bottom overlying the receptacle bottom and serving to cover the members, a rotatable mulling element adapted to travel in a circular course over the false bottom and aroiuid the side wall and eect mulling of the material between it and said side wall during travel in such course, and arranged so that it is accessible for repair or removal upon removal cf one or more of the side wall forming sections, and means for propelling the element in said circular course.

l2. A mulling apparatus of the character described comprising in combination a receptacle adapted to contain the material to be mulled and embodying a substantially flat circular .bottom and an annular upwardly extending outwardly bulged side wall having a door closed opening therein and composed of an annular series of complemental sections secured removably together and having inturned bottom ilanges resting on the margin of the bottom, releasable flange engaging clamping members carried by the margin of the bottom and adapted upon release thereof to permit the sec- 75 tions to be removed and also to permit the side wall to be turned or adjusted bodily in order to position the door opening as desired, a substantially iiat circular false bottom overlying the receptacle bottom and serving to cover the members, a rcvolvable cross-head in the central portion of the receptacle, a mulling lball carried by the cross-head and adapted to travel in a circular course over the false bottom and around the side wall and efect mulling of the material between it and said side wall during travel in such course, and arranged so that it is accessible for repair or removal upon removal of one or more of the side wall forming sections, a scraper and deflector also carried by the cross'- head and arranged so that they operate respectively to scrape the mulled material from the side wall and to deflect it back against said wall into the path of the element, and also so that they are accessible for repair or replacement purposes upon removal of one or more of said sections, and means for driving the crosshead.

13. A mulling apparatus of the character described comprising in combination a receptacle adapted to contain the material to be Inulled and embodying a circular bottom and an annular side wall extending upwardly from the margin of the bottom, a revolvable cross-head in the central portion of the receptacle, a substantially Vertical shaft carried' by the cross-head and held against lateral displacement or swinging movement, a rotary mulling element on the shaft held by the latter at a xed distance away from the side wall of the receptacle and adapted during drive of the cross-head to move in a circular course around said side wall and to effect mulling of the material between it and the side wall, and means for driving the crosshead.

14. A mulling apparatus of the character described comprising in combination a receptacle adapted to contain the material to be mulled and embodying a circular bottom and an fannular side wall extending upwardly from the margin of the bottom, a revolvable cross-head in the upper central portion of the receptacle, a substantially vertical shaft depending from the cross-head and connected to the latter so that it is rotatablewithout lateral displacement, a rotatable mulling element on the lower end of the shaft held by said shaft at a predetermined distance inwardly of the side wall and adapted during drive of the cross-head to travel in a circular course around said side wall and to eiiect mulling of the material between it and said side wall, and means for driving the crosshead.

15. A mulling apparatus of the character described comprising in combination a receptacle adapted to contain the material to be mulled and embodying a circular bottom and an annular side wall extending upwardly from the margin of the bottom and composed of an annular series of complementa] sections removably secured together, a revolvable cross-head disposed in the upper central portion of the receptacle and having :a substantially semi-circular soclket therein, a sleeve member releasably secured in the socket, a substantially vertical shaft having the upper end thereof journaled in roller bearings in the sleeve member for rotation on its axis without lateral displacement, a rotary mulling element on the lower end of the shaft adapted upon drive of the cross-head to vtravel in a circular course around the side wall space normally closed by said one or more sections, and means for driving the cross-head.

16. A mulling apparatus of the character described comprising in combination a receptacle adapted to contain the material to be mulled and embodying a .circular bottom and an annular upwardly extending side wall, a revolvable cross-head in the central portion of the receptacle, a mulling element adapted during drive of said cross-head to be driven in a circular course around the side wall and to eiiect mulling of the material between it and said side wall, a scraper for scraping the mulled material from the side wall adapted to rotate with the crosshead and connected by clamp means to said cross-head so that in response to excessive pressure resulting from wedging of foreign material or scrap between it and the side wall it is adapted to swing inwards about a substantially vertical axis, and means for driving the cross-head.

17. A mulling apparatus of the character described comprising in combination a receptacle adapted to contain the material to be mulled and embodying a circular bottom and an outwardly bulged side wall extending upwardly from the margin of the bottom, a revolvable cross-head in the -central portion of the receptacle, a mulling ball carried by the cross-head in spaced relation with the side wall and adapted during drive of said cross-head to travel in a circular course around the side wall and effect mulling of the material between it and said side wall, an arcuate scraper for scraping the mulled material from the side wall carried by the cross-head in spaced relation with the side wall and for conjoint travel with the ball and mounted by way of pivot type clamping means so that it is adapted to swing inwards in response to excessive pressure thereagainst resulting from foreign material or scrap wedging between it and said side wall, and means for driving the cross head.

18. A mulling apparatus of the character described comprising in combination a receptacle adapted to contain the material to be mulled and embodying a circular bottom and a continuous side wall extending upwardly from the margin of the bottom, a revolvable cross-head disposed in the central portion of the receptacle and having a vertical pipe, a rotary mulling element carried by the cross-head in front of the pipe and adjacent the receptacle side wall and adapted during drive of the cross-head to travel in a circular course around the side wall and eiect mulling of the material between it and said side wall, a scraper adapted to scrape the mulled material from the side wall and delect it inwards and connected to said pipe by clamping means so that it is adapted to swing inwards about the axis of the pipe out of its normal operative position in response to excessive pressure thereagainst resulting from foreign material or scrap wedging itself between the scraper and the side wall, and means for driving the cross-head.

19. A mulling apparatus of the character described comprising in combination a receptacle adapted to contain the material to be mulled and embodying a circular bottom and an annular upwardly extending side wall, a revolvable crosshead in the central portion of the receptacle, a

mulling element adapted during drive of said cross-head to travel ina circular course around the side wall and effect mulling of the material between it and said side wall, a deflector in front of the mulling element for deflecting the material outwards from the central portion of the receptacle against the side wall and into the path of said element adapted to rotate with the crosshead and connected to the cross-head by clamping means so that in response to excessive pressure resulting from foreign material or scrap wedging between it and the side wall it is adapted to swing inwards about a substantially vertical axis out of its normal operative position, and means for driving the cross-head.

20. A mulling apparatus of the character described comprising in combination a receptacle adapted to contain the material to be mulled and embodying a circular bottom and an outwardly bulged side wall extending upwardly from the margin of the bottom, a revolvable cross-head in the central portion of the receptacle, a rotary mulling ball carried by the cross-head in spaced relation with the side wall and adapted during drive of said cross-head to travel in a circular course around the side Wall and e'ect mulling of the material between it and said side wall, a plow-type deflector for deilecting the material in the central portion of the receptacle outwards and upwards against all portions of the side wall into the path of the mulling ball, carried by the cross-head in iront of the ball and for conjoint travel with the latter and connected to the crosshead by pivot type clamping means, so that it is adapted to swing inwards in response to excessive pressure resulting frorn foreign material or scrap wedging between it and said side wall, and means for driving the cross-head.

21. A mulling apparatus of the character described oomprising in combination a receptacle adapted to contain the material to be mulled and embodying a substantially at circular bottom and an annular side wall extending upwardly from the margin of the bottom, a revolvable cross-head disposed in the central portion of the receptacle and having a vertical pipe, a rotary mulling element carried by the cross-head behind the pipe and adjacent the side wall and adapted during drive of the cross-head to travel in a circular course around the side wall and eiect mulling of the material between it and said side wall, a plow type delector adapted to deflect the material in the central portion of the receptacle outwardly against all portions of the side wall and into the path of the mulling element and mounted on the pipe so that it is adapted to swing inwards about the axis of the pipe and out of its normal operative position in response to excessive pressure thereagainst resulting from foreign material or scrap wedging itself between the deilector and the side wall, and means for driving the cross-head.

22. A mulling apparatus of the character described comprising in combination a receptacle adapted to contain the material to be mulled and embodying a substantially flat circular bottom and an annular side wall extending upwardly from the margin of the bottom, a revolvable Cross-head disposed in the central portion of the receptacle and having a vertical pipe, a rotary mulling element carried by the cross-head and adapted during drive of the latter to travel in a circular course around the side wall and effect mulling of the material between it and said side wall, a scraper and a deflector operative respectively to scrape and deflect inwardly the mulled material from the receptacle side wall and to deect outwards the scraped material against the side wall into the path of the mulling element and connected by clamping means to the pipe for conjoint travel with the mulling element and so that they are both adapted to swing inwards about the axis of the pipe in response to excessive pressure resulting from the Wedging of foreign material or scrap between them and the side wall, and means for driving the cross-head.

23. A mulling apparatus of the character described comprising in combination a receptacle adapted to contain the material to be mulled and embodying a circular bottom and an annular outwardly bulged side wall extending upwardly from the margin of the bottom, a revolvable cross-head in the central portion of the receptacle, a substantially vertical shaft carried by the cross-head and held against lateral displacement, a rotary mulling ball on the shaft held by the latter a fixed distance away from the side Wall of the receptacle and adapted during drive of the cross-head to move in a circular course around said side Wall and to effect mulling of the material between it and the side wall, means carried by the cross-head for rotation therewith for controlling the material so that during each time the ball travels around the side wall the entire mass of material is ung outwards in a scattered and aerated manner against substantially all portions of the inner face of said side Wall into the path of the ball and is then after mulling by the ball scraped and deflected inwards, and means for driving the cross-head.

ELMER O. BEARDSLEY. WALTER E. NAYLOR. 

